Few men aware of prostate cancer trials

WASHINGTON, June 29 (UPI) -- A survey of 2,000 U.S. cancer survivors found only 12 percent of men were aware of prostate cancer clinical trials at the time of diagnosis.

Researchers at the Coalition of Cancer Cooperative Groups and Northwestern University, who conducted the study, say that it's critical for men to know their options after being diagnosed with prostate cancer.

"Being informed of clinical trials is particularly important for men with recurring prostate cancer for whom fewer approved therapies exist," Richard N. Atkins, chief executive officer of the National Prostate Cancer Coalition, said in a statement. "In fact, certain cancers, including prostate cancer, are more likely to spread to the bone than others."

In addition to discussing treatment options with physicians, healthcare professionals and family members, men also learn about clinical trial opportunities through online resources, according to the survey.

"Only 5 percent of people have learned of a clinical trial through the Internet," Atkins said. "NPCC's Web site -- fightprostatecancer.org -- is a robust online resource for learning about prostate cancer prevention, detection, and treatment after diagnosis and includes an interactive clinical trials database."